Top Books on Public Speaking and Coaching from the World’s Best Gurus

Top Books on Public Speaking and Coaching from the World’s Best Gurus

If you’re looking to level up your public speaking game or sharpen your coaching skills, there’s no shortage of books promising to make you a pro. But let’s be honest—not all of them deliver. Some are filled with fluff, some recycle the same old advice, and some just don’t hit the mark.

That’s why I’ve done the digging for you. I’ve put together a list of the must-read public speaking books and top-rated coaching books for beginners that actually live up to the hype. Whether you’re looking to captivate an audience or become a more effective coach, these books will help you get there.

Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie

Let’s start with a classic. This book has been around since the 1930s, and while some of the references feel outdated, the core principles still hold up. Carnegie’s main point? If you want people to listen to you, stop criticizing, start listening, and make them feel valued.

The book isn’t so much about making deep friendships as it is about winning over people in social and professional settings. It teaches you how to be persuasive without being pushy, and why avoiding arguments is often the best way to win.

The Good:
✅ Timeless advice on communication and influence
✅ Easy to read, packed with real-world examples
✅ Helps with leadership, sales, and public speaking

The Not-So-Good:
❌ Some of the advice is very “play nice”—real life isn’t always that simple
❌ A bit outdated in places (the revised version helps)

How to Deliver a TED Talk – Jeremy Donovan

Ever wonder why some TED Talks go viral while others flop? This book breaks it down. Donovan walks you through the TED format and teaches you how to structure a talk that captivates an audience.

What I liked most is how practical it is. You can flip to a specific section—like storytelling, humor, or closing strong—and find actionable tips. That said, if you’ve watched a ton of TED Talks, much of this will feel like common sense.

The Good:
✅ Covers everything from crafting your speech to using body language
✅ Short, straightforward, and easy to apply
✅ Great for beginners or anyone nervous about public speaking

The Not-So-Good:
❌ More of a step-by-step guide than an in-depth theory book
❌ If you prefer audiobooks, this one doesn’t translate well

The Public Speaking Bible – Marcus Alexander

If public speaking makes you sweat, this book was made for you. Alexander was once terrified of the stage, and now he’s delivered over 1,600 talks worldwide. His journey from fear to confidence is what makes this book stand out.

This is one of the most practical books on public speaking out there. It covers everything from handling stage fright to getting paid for speaking gigs. It even includes insights from professionals in various fields—actors, surgeons, and educators—on what makes a great speaker.

The Good:
✅ Packed with real-life experiences and expert insights
✅ Covers both the art of speaking and the business side of it
✅ Good mix of motivation and actionable advice

The Not-So-Good:
❌ A lot of info—can feel overwhelming at times
❌ Best used as a reference guide rather than a quick read

Talk Like TED – Carmine Gallo

This book is essentially a deep dive into why TED Talks work. Gallo analyzes what makes the best ones so engaging and offers 9 key techniques to help you become a better speaker.

The book is full of TED Talk examples, storytelling tips, and practical exercises. Some readers feel that the advice isn’t exactly groundbreaking—be passionate, use humor, tell stories—but the examples and breakdowns make it worthwhile.

The Good:
✅ Uses real TED Talks as examples
✅ Practical takeaways for making your speeches more engaging
✅ Good mix of storytelling, science, and psychology

The Not-So-Good:
❌ Nothing truly “new” if you’ve studied public speaking before
❌ The intro feels a little too slick and salesy

Coaching & Leadership Development

The Heart of Laser-Focused Coaching – Marion Franklin

If you want to level up your coaching skills, this book will challenge you. Franklin doesn’t waste time with fluff—she dives straight into how to ask the right questions, listen actively, and get real results for your clients.

Some readers found the coaching examples outdated or a bit tone-deaf, but the core lessons on deep listening and shifting perspectives are gold.

The Good:
✅ Excellent for learning how to ask powerful, transformative questions
✅ Stays true to professional coaching standards
✅ Great resource for both coaches and leaders

The Not-So-Good:
❌ Some coaching examples feel outdated or off-key
❌ Can be a bit rigid in its approach

Co-Active Coaching – Karen & Henry Kimsey-House

This is THE coaching textbook. Many professional coaching programs use it, and for good reason. It covers everything from building strong coaching relationships to deep listening and powerful questioning.

The book is broken down into three sections—fundamentals, coaching skills, and coaching principles—plus a Coach’s Toolkit with forms and exercises.

The Good:
✅ Deep, structured approach to coaching
✅ Tons of practical exercises and resources
✅ Used by top coaching schools

The Not-So-Good:
❌ More of a textbook—dense and not a casual read
❌ Best suited for people serious about coaching as a career

Coaching Skills – Jennifer Rogers

This book is practical, comprehensive, and brutally honest about what coaching really is. Rogers covers coaching motivations, methodologies, ethics, and tough coaching scenarios.

The best part? The real-world case studies that make the book engaging and easy to digest.

The Good:
✅ Covers everything from beginner to advanced coaching skills
✅ Great mix of theory and practice
✅ Thought-provoking questions and real-world examples

The Not-So-Good:
❌ Dense—best read in small chunks
❌ Not for those looking for a “light” coaching read

The Coaching Habit – Michael Bungay Stanier

This book is for leaders, managers, and anyone who wants to be a better listener. It’s all about asking the right questions instead of always giving advice.

Stanier introduces seven simple coaching questions that help spark meaningful conversations. It’s a quick, no-BS read, though some might find it a bit repetitive.

The Good:
✅ Super practical and easy to implement
✅ Perfect for managers who want to coach their teams better
✅ Short, engaging, and to the point

The Not-So-Good:
❌ A bit repetitive in places
❌ Somewhat basic if you’re already experienced in coaching

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for the best books on becoming a great speaker or top resources for coaching and leadership, these books offer practical, no-nonsense advice.

So, what’s next? Pick the book that speaks to your current challenge and start applying what you learn. Because at the end of the day, great speakers and great coaches aren’t born—they’re made.